Winter Escape in New Zealand
“New Zealand, with its mountain tops, lakes that go on for miles and spectacular glaciers, is beautiful year round. Driving through the North Island is a beautiful sight as you watch the landscape unfold, and during winter, the North Island remains slightly warmer than the South Island with less crowds.”
Day 1 Arrival Auckland
Upon arrival at Auckland international airport, you’ll be met by one of our representatives and assisted in picking up your hire car.
You’ll drive to your accommodation in Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct Harbour, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2 Matamata – Rotorua
After breakfast, head on the scenic drive to Matamata, home of Hobbiton. Discover Middle Earth on a two-hour guided tour of the movie set used in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.
Continue to Rotorua and check into your hotel, which is a short stroll from Lake Rotorua.
Day 3 Rotorua
Start your day with a visit to the Agrodome, which offers farming fun for all the family. Meet and feed lambs and calves, and watch a farming demonstration.
Next, head to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia Thermal Valley to experience Rotorua’s unique geothermal landscape (and sulphuric whiff!).
Day 4 Rotorua – Napier
Set off on the three-hour drive to Napier in the famous Hawke’s Bay wine region.
Check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to wander around the Art Deco buildings, and visit the museum or aquarium.
Day 5 Napier
Today you have the day at leisure to explore Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy a self-guided bike tour of Napier, a tour of Hawke’s Bay wineries, a trip up Te Mata Peak for stunning views, or an excursion to Cape Kidnappers to play golf or see the gannet colony.
Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can recommend activities to suit your interests prior to departure.
Day 6 Napier – Mount Bruce – Wellington
Time to jump back in the rental car for the four-hour drive to Wellington. En route, stop off at the Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre to meet some of New Zealand’s rare and endangered birds and learn about conservation efforts.
Upon arrival check into your Wellington hotel, next to the world-renowned Te Papa Museum (the hotel restaurant, Hippopotamus, is a Wellington food institution).
Day 7 Wellington
Today you have a gourmet travel treat. The day begins with a visit to the home of a New Zealand culinary personality, and a trip to a boutique coffee roaster and café. You’ll enjoy specialist tastings and a three-course meal with wine pairings at a top Wellington restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a two-hour guided tour of Te Papa Museum, including a behind-the-scenes experience with a curator or collection manager.
Day 8 Wellington – Queenstown
Drive to Wellington airport, where you’ll drop off your hire car and catch a flight to Queenstown on the South Island, known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’.
Pick up your 4WD and drive to your hotel, which has its own golf course and spa.
Day 9 Queenstown – Milford Sound
Today you have a guided scenic flight to Milford Sound, where you can admire the stunning glacial landscape.
Upon arrival, you’ll join a cruise down the fjord where you can admire the waterfalls, rock walls and Mitre Peak while indulging in a picnic lunch.
Day 10 Queenstown – Departure
Today you have time for a final exploration of Queenstown, before departing for the airport. Explore the Central Otago wineries, take a gondola ride to Bob’s Peak, enjoy a jet boat excursion on the Dart River, go bungy jumping or rock climbing, or visit Lord of the Rings filming sites.
Have fun in Middle Earth with a trip to Hobbiton
Explore the unique geothermal landscape of Rotorua
Discover the tastes of New Zealand on a culinary adventure in Wellington
Go behind the scenes with a curator at the renowned Te Papa Museum
Witness the glacial landscape of Milford Sound on a scenic flight and cruise
Lightfoot Travel is a fully licensed global tour operator with a 24/7 support line for our guests, giving you peace of mind on your holiday . We have three core values that underpin our commitment to creating meaningful holidays for our guests.
AUTHENTICTravel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create holidays that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
EXPERT Travel with confidence, guided by experts. Our team boasts decades of first-hand knowledge and we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for our guests. We specialise in unveiling the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known destinations.
PERSONAL Your journey is as unique as you are. We take the time to understand what inspires and excites you, creating 100% tailormade itineraries that reflect your personality, interests, and holiday aspirations. Our bespoke holidays are designed to elevate every moment of your travel experience.
